Attention Roommates! Here?s a shocking tale that illustrates how NOT to increase your finances?unless, of course, an FBI investigation is your endgame. Recently, agents in Las Vegas unveiled the arrest of Aurora Phelps, a woman accused of drugging, kidnapping, and robbing elderly men. Phelps allegedly targeted her victims through online dating platforms, successfully stealing hundreds of thousands from at least four unsuspecting suitors! This case serves as a grave reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the world of online dating.
Uncovering the Disturbing Details of Aurora?s Deceptive Romance Scheme
Following a press conference held by the FBI, further details about this alarming case emerged. Reports indicate that Aurora Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico, but the specifics regarding her extradition to the United States remain unclear. According to special agent Spencer Evans, who heads the Las Vegas FBI division, Phelps’s 43-year-old scheme has been described as a ?romance scam on steroids.? This shocking description underscores the severity and complexity of her fraudulent activities targeting vulnerable older men.
What were Aurora’s tactics? The FBI has accused her of incapacitating her victims, subsequently exploiting their weakened state to embark on extravagant shopping sprees using their credit cards for opulent items like gold and luxury goods. In addition to stealing physical possessions, including cars and iPads, she also attempted to withdraw funds from their bank accounts. In particularly egregious instances, Phelps even sought access to her victims’ retirement and social security funds! Notably, she successfully sold approximately $3.3 million worth of a man’s Apple stock, although she was unable to access the sale proceeds.
How did she execute her sinister plan? Aurora maintained active profiles on popular dating apps such as Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder. After a few seemingly innocent lunch dates with her chosen victims, she initiated her drugging scheme, slipping sedatives into their food on at least one occasion. This manipulation allowed her to control her victims and carry out her criminal acts with little resistance.
The consequences of her actions were devastating. One victim fell into a temporary coma after being sedated consistently for a week with prescription pills. Tragically, another man died after being drugged, abducted across the U.S. border into Mexico, and taken to a hotel in Mexico City, where he was later discovered deceased. A third victim was found dead in his own bathroom, while Phelps allegedly used his funds to purchase a gold coin and indulge in further luxuries.
The Legal Repercussions Awaiting Aurora Phelps
The U.S. District Attorney of Nevada, Sue Fahami, revealed during a press conference that Aurora Phelps is facing a staggering 21 charges related to her fraudulent scheme targeting elderly men. These charges encompass seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of identity theft, and at least one count of kidnapping that resulted in death. If convicted on all counts, she could potentially face a life sentence in prison, as indicated by Fahami.
According to special agent Evans, there may be additional victims in both the U.S. and Mexico, as the investigation continues to unfold. This case highlights the critical need for vigilance and caution when engaging with individuals online, especially in the realm of dating, where such predatory behavior can occur.
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